As we make our way closer to spring, you will notice an increasing number of cyclists taking advantage of the improving weather. If you have gotten used to only driving by other drivers, you should start training yourself now to anticipate motorcyclists on the road. Just this month, a veteran deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office was killed in an accident while riding his motorcycle with a passenger. Unfortunately, his passenger did not survive the accident either. The accident happened on U.S. 41 when a truck, driving in the opposite direction, turned into the motorcyclist’s lane, which interrupted the motorcyclist’s right of way and initiated impact. The motorcycle hit the truck and the two riders were thrown into opposite lanes of traffic. One of the victims was then caught in the path of a second motorcycle. Though both riders were wearing helmets, neither life was saved. Such a horrible accident seems uncommon, but the reality is that an incident like this can happen easily and very quickly if just enough negative conditions are at play.
How Do Motorcycle Accidents Differ from Car Accidents?
Motorcycle accidents differ from car accidents by the amount of protection provided by the vehicle. In a car, truck, or van, the driver and any passengers are better protected because they are physically covered by the vehicle itself. Motorcyclists are only protected by whatever protective gear they are wearing at the time of the accident. This lack of protection for motorcyclists is why there is about a 10% fatality rate in a car and a 61% fatality rate on a motorcycle.
What Increases the Chances of a Motorcycle Accident?
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 9,143 motorcycle crashes in 2018 and a three-year average of 520 motorcycle fatalities. There are a number of reasons why these accidents happen, but some common causes are good to keep in mind. For example, bad weather and rough road conditions can inhibit a driver. You may not be able to see a motorcyclist in the rain or at night, or a motorcyclist may hit a pothole in just the right way to throw the entire bike off its course and into your path. Blind spots, in general, will always be a concern and it is strongly encouraged to use your mirrors with caution. Lane splitting, or driving a motorcycle between two cars instead of waiting to pass legally, is another common reason for accidents. It takes patience and responsibility on everyone’s part to adhere to traffic laws and be mindful of each other on the road.
What Kind of Injuries are Common for Motorcycle Accidents?
Since there is nothing built around you for protection when riding a motorcycle, wearing the right kind of gear becomes even more necessary. In addition to a helmet, consider covering your body with clothing because anything left exposed can become seriously damaged on the road. Road rash on skin is a constant concern and is one of the milder injuries one can sustain in an accident. On a more serious scale, injuries to a person’s brain or spinal cord are also common. Broken bones can be easily attained, and amputations can be necessary.
Why Do I Need an Attorney for My Motorcycle Accident?
No matter the extent of your injuries, you are going to need a professional on your side to fight for your rights. For starters, a lawyer will help you prove who was at fault in the accident. It is not your job to come to that conclusion on your own. All you need to do is give as many details about the incident as you can to the lawyer, and let him do the rest.
You will also need a lawyer to help you gain compensation for your recovery. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, you may find yourself out of work with a growing variety of financial obligations. While in recovery mode, you run the risk of losing work time or of losing your job altogether. That loss of work time turns into loss of income. At the same time, your medical bills can start piling one on top of the other faster than you can imagine. You may have to pay for medical equipment, work replacements, and future rehabilitation sessions. The pain you suffer could turn into chronic pain, causing you to pay for pain medication for much longer than you had planned. If this sounds like your situation, then you need to contact a lawyer today to let him start the process for you. Give yourself the time you need to rest and regenerate while a lawyer you trust builds the strongest case you can imagine.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation to see how we can help you navigate this terrible experience.